Thompson joined the Chiefs as a sixth-round pick in 2019 and was considered by many a sleeper candidate to carve out a role in the team's backfield. That never really materialized, as Thompson managed just 37 carries for 128 yards (3.5 YPC) and a touchdown, adding nine grabs on 10 targets for another 43 yards. His outlook for 2020 appears bleaker following the team's decisions to pick up Damien Williams' contract option and to draft Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The front office also added DeAndre Washington and Elijah McGuire in free agency and Darrel Williams still remains in the fold, potentially leaving Thompson in a position to have to fight for his 53-man roster spot. Read Past Outlooks

ANALYSISTranslation: the 2019 sixth-round pick will need to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster. Thompson averaged 3.7 yards on 46 touches as a rookie, though he did at least work ahead of LeSean McCoy as Kansas City's No. 2 running back during the playoffs. Even so, Thompson figures to compete with Washington, Darrel Williams (hamstring) and a few lesser-known running backs for what figures to be one or two roster spots. Edwards-Helaire and Damien Williams will be the ones competing for significant touches.

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Advanced NFL Stats

How do Darwin Thompson's 2019 advanced stats compare to other running backs?

This section compares his advanced stats with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average. The longer the bar, the better it is for the player.

Broken Tackle %

The number of broken tackles divided by rush attempts.

Positive Run %

The percentage of run plays where he was able to gain positive yardage.

% Yds After Contact

The percentage of his rushing yards that came after contact.

Avg Yds After Contact

The average rushing yards he gains after contact.

Rushing TD %

Rushing touchdowns divided by rushing attempts. In other words, how often is he scoring when running the ball.

Touches Per Game

The number of touches (rushing attempts + receptions) he is averaging per game

% Snaps w/Touch

The number of touches (rushing attempts + receptions) divided by offensive snaps played.

Air Yards Per Game

The number of air yards he is averaging per game. Air yards measure how far the ball was thrown downfield for both complete and incomplete passes. Air yards are recorded as a negative value when the pass is targeted behind the line of scrimmage. All air yards data is from Sports Info Solutions and does not include throwaways as targeted passes.

Air Yards Per Snap

The number of air yards he is averaging per offensive snap.

% Team Air Yards

The percentage of the team's total air yards he accounts for.

% Team Targets

The percentage of the team's total targets he accounts for.

Avg Depth of Target

Also known as aDOT, this stat measures the average distance down field he is being targeted at.

Catch Rate

The number of catches made divided by the number of times he was targeted by the quarterback.

Drop Rate

The number of passes he dropped divided by the number of times he was targeted by the quarterback.

Erik Siegrist previews the Super Bowl as Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs face a stiff matchup against a stout 49ers defense.

2019 Fantasy Outlook

If any rookie running back is positioned to be a sleeper this season, it might be Thompson. With a fire-hydrant build at 5-8, 200, the sixth-round pick out of Utah State runs with impressive power and a low center of gravity, making him a threat to bulldoze his way for yards between the tackles. He also has good hands and could develop into a solid route-runner, important traits in an Andy Reid offense. He hasn't shown much in the way of speed or elusiveness and might not be a big-play threat, but the Chiefs' backfield is topped by a player with minimal experience as an NFL lead back in Damian Williams, along with an aging LeSean McCoy. If Thompson can outperform either during the season, he could find himself with a significant role in one of the league's most potent attacks.

More Fantasy News

No room to run in playoffs

RBKansas City Chiefs

February 12, 2020

Thompson had two carries for seven yards during three postseason appearances with the Chiefs. He also drew two targets, but failed to record a reception.